Hair naturally grows and sheds in what is known as the hair cycle. Scientists have observed three distinct stages of the hair cycle: the Anagen Phase, the Catagen Phase, and the Telogen Phase. Understanding what is happening in each of these three phases can help you to better understand and manage the process of hair loss.
In particular, we should pay attention to what time of year it is. A study published in the journal Dermatology has highlighted the seasonality of hair loss; scientists understand that the amount of hair you lose in January will be different to the amount of hair you lose in August?
Three Phases of the Hair Cycle
The Anagen Phase, otherwise known as the growth phase, is the period during which hair follicles are at their most active. Lasting for between two to five years, depending on the person, it is during this period in which the hair will grow. The cells within the follicle divide, contributing to the root and lengthening the entire hair. Hair grows at an average rate of half an inch per month, pushing the club, or ‘dead’, hair up the shaft and eventually out. The Catagen Phase marks the end of the active growth period. It is the shortest of the three phases, and last for just two to three weeks. During this time, hair growth stops and a club hair is formed when the outer root sheath attaches itself to the root of the hair. The Telogen Phase, also know at the resting phase, is when the hair follicle is at rest. When a hair in this phase is examined, there is the presence of a hard, dry, white material, which can be observed at its root. Dormant hairs stay in the scalp for a maximum of about 100 days, after which they begin to shed. It is normal to lose between 30 and 100 hairs from the scalp every day.
Why is it important to understand the hair growth cycle?
For maximum hair growth, it is best to focus on the anagen phase. People suffering from hormonal changes and other health conditions ultimately experience shorter active growth periods. Using the right hair loss supplements, maintaining a balanced diet, leading a healthier lifestyle, and keeping stress levels under control allows individuals to maintain healthier hair follicles.
Why is the time of year relevant?
Generally, we can expect the hair on our hair to be in a 9:1 ratio of anagen to telogen hairs. Each individual hair follicle will be at a different point in its cycle based on a random mosaic pattern, maintaining a full covering. However, it seems that our hair is predisposed to have an increased likelihood of being in different phases at different points in the year. Notably, there seem to be two points in the year in which we have increased percentage of telogen hairs: July and April. While you can therefore expect your hair to shed more during the spring and autumn, by using TRX2® you are giving yourself the best possible chance of avoiding excessive hair loss.
